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Introduction

Use this guide to replace the combined heatsink and fan assembly in your Dell Latitude 5320 (Model 5320). The heatsink and fan work together to keep the laptop cool by drawing heat away from the CPU and dispersing it through active airflow. If your device is overheating, running loudly, throttling performance, or shutting down unexpectedly, the cooling assembly may be failing and require replacement.

Before beginning this repair, review the Dell Latitude 5320 Troubleshooting Page to confirm that the issue is hardware‑related rather than caused by dust buildup, outdated drivers, or background processes.

The heatsink and fan are manufactured as a single unit and must be replaced together. During this repair, you will disconnect a delicate fan cable and remove screws that secure the assembly to the motherboard. Several steps require gentle handling and careful attention to connector pins, so be sure to read the caution notes in the guide.

Because the cooling assembly sits directly on the CPU, reassembly requires following special instructions, including properly applying or preserving thermal paste to ensure effective heat transfer. Improper reinstallation can lead to overheating or long‑term CPU damage.

Before starting, completely power off your laptop, unplug all power sources, and disconnect any external devices.

Following this guide will help you safely remove and replace the heatsink and fan assembly in your Dell Latitude 5320.

What you need

Step 1 Battery

Dell Latitude 5320 Fan Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 1 of 1

Remove the seven 6 mm screws on the outer edges of the the bottom of the laptop with a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Loosen the captive screw in the center of the bottom of the laptop using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

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Step 2

Dell Latitude 5320 Fan Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

Insert an opening tool into the edges of the back plate.
You will hear the clips make a popping sound.
Once the back plate has become detached, remove it.

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Step 3

Remove the four 5 mm screws that hold the battery in place with a Phillips #0 screwdriver

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Step 4

Dell Latitude 5320 Fan Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

Pull the tab on the press connector to the battery cable to disconnect the battery.
This is a delicate wire; make sure to pull on the tab with a gentle, consistent pressure.
Remove the battery.

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Step 5 Fan

Dell Latitude 5320 Fan Replacement, Fan: step 5, image 1 of 2

Dell Latitude 5320 Fan Replacement, Fan: step 5, image 2 of 2

Push the connector to the left to disconnect the fan from the motherboard.
This is a delicate wire; make sure to not push on the connector harshly.

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Step 6

Remove the four 3 mm screws that hold the metal plate in place above the fan with a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Lift the plate up to remove it.

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Step 7

Remove the two 4 mm screws that hold the fan in place with a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

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Step 8

Remove the four 3 mm screws that hold the heatsink in place with a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Lift the heatsink up to remove it.
There is thermal paste below the heatsink and if you are replacing it, you will need to reapply a new layer of paste.
When reassembling, to ensure even placement and pressure on the heatsink, screw back in a diagonal pattern (First the top left and the bottom right and then the other two screws).